Nelly

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., known professionally as Nelly, is an American rapper, singer, and actor who rose to fame in the early 2000s. He began his music career in 1993 as a member of the St. Louis-based hip-hop group St. Lunatics before signing with Universal Records as a solo artist in 1999. His debut album, *Country Grammar* (2000), was a massive success, featuring the top-ten hits "Country Grammar" and "Ride wit Me." The album topped the Billboard 200 and was certified diamond by the RIAA. His second studio album, *Nellyville* (2002), produced the number-one hits "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," along with the top-five single "Air Force Ones," further solidifying his place in hip-hop.